Political Points

The Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance of Washington D.C. (GLAA), recently announced the group’s candidate ratings for the Sept. 9 primaries.

Based upon candidate questionnaires and discussion among GLAA members, the big winners were Councilmember Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) with a perfect score of 10; Councilmember Carol Schwartz (R-At large) with a score of 9; and Evans’ Ward 2 Democratic challenger, Cary Silverman, with a score of 8.5.

The GLAA point system ranges from 10 on the positive end, to negative 10 as the lowest possible rating.

Of the 20 candidates to whom the GLAA sent questionnaires, 11 responded. The nine who did not respond were rated based on their known records on GLBT issues, leaving all but one with a score of 0. Robin Hammond Marlin, challenging incumbent Councilmember Yvette M. Alexander (D-Ward 7), scored the lowest rating of respondents, 1.5. A GLAA release described Hammond’s questionnaire answers as ”generally positive,” but lacking substance.

The 19-question survey addressed issues of public safety, HIV/AIDS and public health, human rights, marriage and family, public education and youth, and consumers and business.

The GLAA has been sending out similar questionnaires to help educate the GLBT community about candidates since its launch in 1971.

For a comprehensive look at ratings and explanations, visit www.glaa.org.